ear functions

auricle

its shape helps amplify sounds

tympanic membrane

eardrum; vibrate in response to sound waves

external acoustic meatus

channels sound waves; protective passageway

round window

allow movement of cochlear fluid and enable hearing by relieving pressure

malleus

transfers vibrations from the eardrum to the rest of the system

ossicles

malleus

incus

stapes

incus

middle link

transfer of sound vibrations

stapes

fits into the oval window

transmits vibrations into the cochlear by pushing on the oval window

oval window

receive vibrations from stapes and transmit them into cochlea

vestibular nerve

balance and spatial ordination signals

cochlear nerve

transmit hearing signals from inner ear to brain

arises from hair cells in cochlea

cochlea

hearing organ of inner ear

converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses for the brain to understand

what Is the cochlea filled with

perilymph and endolymph

pharyngotympanic tube

ventilate the middle ear and equalize pressure with the outside atmosphere

drains fluid into nasopharynx

utricle

sense horizontal motion and head tilt

saccule

vertical motion and head tilt

semiciruclar canals

sense spinning and turning movements

static equilibrium

maintain posture and balance while standing still or moving linearly

dynamic equilibrium

maintain balance and spatial orientation while moving or turning

semicircular duct

detect dynamic equilibrium

rotation

utricle

horizontal tilt & linear acceleration

static

saccule

vertical motion & linear acceleration.

static